Faheem Power Blitz Lifts Pakistan past Netherlands with 5-Run Escape
Faheem Power Blitz Lifts Pakistan — A Gritty Win That Saved the Day
Pakistan began their T20 World Cup campaign in Colombo with far more drama than they would have liked. In what should have been a comfortable start against the Netherlands, the team instead found themselves on the brink of an upset. But in the end, Faheem Power Blitz Lifts Pakistan became the headline of the night as Faheem Ashraf’s breathtaking late hitting pulled his side out of real danger.
A Night That Nearly Slipped Away
Chasing 148, Pakistan were expected to cruise. Conditions at the Sinhalese Sports Club were slow but manageable, and the openers gave the team a quick start. By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan sat at 61 for 2, looking well in control. Sahibzada Farhan played the kind of innings that sets the tone, scoring an impressive 47 off 31 balls. His strokes were clean, confident and well-timed.
But once he departed, the entire mood changed. The momentum shifted sharply as right-arm pacer Paul van Meekeren delivered a stunning double-wicket maiden. In just a few balls, Pakistan’s chase fell apart. Then, Babar Azam — who never looked comfortable — scratched his way to 15 before falling.
This collapse left fans silent and the dressing room under pressure. But this collapse also set the stage for the turning point — the moment we now summarize as Faheem Power Blitz Lifts Pakistan.
Faheem Ashraf: Calm Under Fire
Faheem Ashraf walked in during a tense phase. The target was still within reach, but the wickets column told another story. Pakistan needed 29 off the final two overs — and they were down to the tail. It was a moment where a single mistake would have meant opening the tournament with a shocking loss.
Then came the 19th over. Faheem launched an extraordinary assault, smashing 24 runs, including three massive sixes. Even after being dropped in the deep by Max O’Dowd, he refused to let the pressure get to him.
With just a few runs left, Faheem finished the job with three balls to spare, remaining unbeaten on 29 off just 11 deliveries. For his nerves, timing, and clean striking, he deservedly earned the Player of the Match award.
Salman Agha: “We Had to Do It the Hard Way”
Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha summed it up well. “We had to do it the hard way,” he said after the match. He praised his bowlers, who kept the Netherlands at 148 — a total he said they would happily take any day on a pitch like this.
He wasn’t wrong. Pakistan bowled with discipline, especially in the final four overs where they conceded only 20 runs. Slow bowlers Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub choked the scoring, while Salman Mirza’s late burst wrapped things up.
It was the bowling effort that prevented a bigger chase and ultimately allowed Faheem Power Blitz Lifts Pakistan to become the match-winning story later on.
Netherlands Fight Hard but Fall Short
The Netherlands were spirited, energetic and far from intimidated. Backed by around 200 travelling fans, they played positive cricket throughout. Scott Edwards anchored the innings with a polished 37, working the gaps and keeping Pakistan on alert.
At 127 for 4 with four overs left, the Dutch side looked set for a competitive total of around 160+. But Pakistan’s spinners triggered a slide. Saim Ayub struck twice in the 17th over, Abrar continued tightening the screws, and Salman Mirza’s three-wicket spell closed the innings one ball early.
Edwards later admitted, “We weren’t at our best in all three departments, but the boys kept fighting.” Small moments indeed cost them the match — and allowed the world to see how Faheem Power Blitz Lifts Pakistan at exactly the right time.
Shaheen Afridi’s Quiet But Critical Role
While Faheem delivered the fireworks, Shaheen Shah Afridi played the supporting role perfectly.
Partnerships like these don’t always receive headlines but are essential afterward when analysts break down how Faheem Power Blitz Lifts Pakistan in moments that matter most.
Pakistan’s Risky Tournament Path
This win carries more weight than usual. Pakistan have already forfeited points for the February 15 match against India due to government instructions. That means every other match is critical. Any slip could jeopardize their tournament run.
They cannot afford inconsistency. Sri Lanka will host all their group matches, and conditions will differ from game to game. Pakistan must adapt quickly, because nights like this won’t always end with Faheem Power Blitz Lifts Pakistan magic.
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Read more about Pakistan’s T20 World Cup journey on our Cricket Insights page.
Explore our detailed analysis on power hitters in T20 cricket here.
But one man changed everything. His clarity under pressure, refusal to panic and clean ball-striking ensured the headline:
Faheem Power Blitz Lifts Pakistan
And this phrase isn’t just the title — it’s the truth of the night.
Pakistan escaped a shock loss, rebuilt their confidence, and reminded fans why cricket remains unpredictable and thrilling.
For Pakistan, the lesson is clear: they cannot depend on late miracles every time. But when those miracles come, they look like this — Faheem Power Blitz Lifts Pakistan, again and again.
